Archive for September, 2013

New Informix version – 12.10.xC2 – is available for several days now, and we can finally speak about the most important new feature in this release, officially called JSON compatibility. What lies beneath this is actually support for MongoDB functionality. MongoDB is very popular document-type NoSQL database and it’s no surprise the IBM choose its capabilities in order to bring the first of NoSQL features into Informix. Some of the news include:

native support for JSON and BSON documents

wire listener, a gateway server that enables the communication between MongoDB applications and Informix database through standard MongoDB drivers

Seems pretty good for first of NoSQL features. So why the question mark in the subject? To answer that, I have to write few words about CAP theorem. It is a proven theorem defined by Eric Brewer in 2000, and not so known among (relational) database people. In the simplest words, the CAP theorem states that, out of three distributed systems requirements (Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance), you can only have two. Here, consistency means the same as A in ACID – commits are atomic throughout the system. Availability means that system is available at all times, while partition tolerance means the system will function correctly even if partitioned, and only a total network failure will prevent that. Since only two of these requirements could be meet at a time, these are often represented by a triangle, and the system could lie on one of triangle sides. The relational database systems occupy the consistency-availability side. Most NoSQL systems arose from the need for as much uptime and responsiveness as possible so NoSQL systems are often aligned on the sides near the vertex P. Here is a nice picture representing the CAP requirements and some of the databases (from Ofirm):

As we move in NoSQL direction, or if you’d like, to MongoDB features, that could imply a move toward different policies. Common logic states the database system should behave the same way as before, especially since the integration of JSON management goes deep in some parts of Informix, such as SPL or transactions. There is not much info available on how and if the partition tolerance in NoSQL-sense is actually implemented in Informix, has the goal somehow been shifted from A to P, hence placing at least some of Informix JSON capabilities on the same side of the triangle as the MongoDB? If yes, how does that affect other network critical operations, such as replication? If no, would the current network and replication policies be enough to satisfy a common MongoDB user’s partition tolerance needs?

Well, either way, I believe this new feature is another breakthrough and will find its usage in time to come. To emphasize that a bit: one of the most important features of the NoSQL systems is the ability to adapt fast to new customer needs, with instant schema changes. The truth is, no information system put in production is ever finished, but always needs to follow the changing world around it – legislative, expanding business, users demands. Schema migration has always been a lengthy and demanding process for a relational databases, but is a natural thing in NoSQL environment. On the other hand, enterprises may have needs for NoSQL system to cover the mission critical part of their businesses, but also the need for a stable transactional database to handle other data, where availability is much more important than partition tolerance. So this expansion of Informix may be an opportunity to mix the best of two worlds. Surely someone will find the great usage for these new features, and I’m looking forward to hear and read the success stories.

When we’re talking about NoSQL world, it should be mentioned there are four types of NoSQL databases: document (implemented now in Informix), key-value, big table, and graph databases (some of the features implemented in DB2). Truth be told, all of these should somehow be covered in Informix as well. I’m especially interested to see graph database capabilities implemented. Graph databases often use a property graph data model (for example, Neo4J), which is one of the most natural ways to describe various domains, and it would be very interesting to be able to play with both graph and relational data model in the same database. But I’ll write more on graphs in some other post…

Finally it is official. The biggest Informix circus in the world moves next year to Miami, FL, USA. For all of us coming from Europe (hope I get to go!), this means a shorter and maybe a slightly cheaper flight, shorter time difference and hence easier jet-leg to overcome. As for the downsides, seams like the Marriott hotel itself is somewhat pricier than the one in San Diego, and I’m a bit concerned about a limited number of rooms available. Hope all of Informix party will squeeze in.

It will be nice to visit a new place. We’ve been in the central USA, on the West Coast, now it’s time for the East Coast. What’s next? IIUG guys, may I suggest another continent 😉

Anyway, before this conference we have more actual Informix events ahead of us. The Informix >> (Fast Forward your Data) Conference – our Adria IUG main event of the year – will be held in fall in Zagreb, Croatia, and as always, we expect skilled and prominent speakers. More news of that will follow as soon as we confirm all the details. There is another Informix event in prospect in this same time frame here in Croatia, but not confirmed just yet. It’s getting lively again after the summer break…